Infangen-theof

The right of a lord to pursue and hang a thief caught in possession of stolen goods, i.e. red handed. Before the Norman Conquest, OldEngl. kings did not permit the growth of private justice. [&LT; OldEngl.infangen = caught + deof = thief] -

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Franchise — Local justice in this period was exercised by a lord. Franchise is sometimes referred to as a liberty , as it allowed a lord some immunity from royal officials, such as the *sheriff. For instance, a writ could only be delivered within a franchise … Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases

Fraunchyse — Local justice in this period was exercised by a lord. Franchise is sometimes referred to as a liberty , as it allowed a lord some immunity from royal officials, such as the *sheriff. For instance, a writ could only be delivered within a franchise … Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases

Hallmoot — The *manorial court, held in a *manor s hall; a court of customary and ancient law. Minor, local, offences were dealt with and the only capital offences considered were those involving *infangen theof. Later, hallmoot was used also of the court… … Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases